League Rules | Crescent Basketball League

League Conduct & Discipline

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct, including taunting, mocking, intentional humiliation, or behavior that disrupts the spirit of the league, may result in suspension or removal

Verbal Abuse & Disrespect

Verbal abuse, profanity, vulgar language, inappropriate gestures, or disrespect toward referees, opponents, teammates, or spectators is strictly prohibited

Physical Conduct

Any form of physical altercation, aggressive confrontation, or intentional attempt to injure another player will result in disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion

Discrimination

Discriminatory remarks or conduct based on race, ethnicity, or background will not be tolerated and will be subject to immediate disciplinary review

Character & Representation

Players are expected to display good akhlaaq (character), comply with league officials' instructions, respect facility property, and represent the Muslim community with integrity and honor at all times

League Authority

The league reserves the right to suspend or remove any player whose behavior negatively impacts the safety, reputation, or environment of the league

Game Format & Structure

Team Composition

Each game is played between two teams of five (5) players on the court
A minimum of four (4) players is required to start a game

Game Duration

Games consist of four (4) quarters of 10 minutes each
Running clock for the first three quarters; stopped clock in the fourth quarter for the final 2 minutes
Two-minute break between quarters; five-minute halftime break between the second and third quarters

Officials Authority

Officials, scorekeepers, or supervisors may stop or forfeit a game for reasons including participant safety or gross misconduct

Tip-off & Restarts

Opening Tip-off

Each game begins with a jump ball (tip-off) at center court between one player from each team
The team that wins the tip-off gains possession to start the first quarter
Alternating possession arrow is used for all subsequent jump-ball situations

Out of Bounds

The ball is out of bounds when it crosses the sideline or baseline, or when a player in possession steps on or over the boundary line
The opposing team inbounds the ball from the nearest sideline or baseline spot

Inbound Plays

The inbounder has five (5) seconds to pass the ball inbounds
Defenders must give reasonable space on inbound plays; no reaching over the boundary line

Scoring Rules

Point Values

Field goal inside the three-point arc: 2 points
Field goal beyond the three-point arc: 3 points
Free throw: 1 point

Mercy Rule

If a team leads by 30 or more points with 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the game will be called

Fouls & Violations

Personal Fouls

Illegal physical contact including hitting, pushing, charging, blocking, or holding is a personal foul
A player who commits five (5) personal fouls in a game is fouled out and must leave the court for the remainder of the game
Flagrant fouls (excessive or violent contact) result in two free throws and possession, plus possible ejection

Technical Fouls

Technical fouls are assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing with officials, or delay of game
Each technical foul results in two free throws for the opposing team plus possession
Two technical fouls in a single game result in automatic ejection

Team Fouls & Bonus

After a team commits five (5) team fouls in a quarter, the opposing team shoots one-and-one free throws on all subsequent fouls
After seven (7) team fouls in a quarter, all subsequent non-shooting fouls result in two free throws

Violations

Traveling: moving with the ball without dribbling — results in turnover
Double dribble: dribbling with both hands or picking up the dribble and dribbling again — results in turnover
Three seconds: offensive player may not remain in the paint for more than three consecutive seconds — results in turnover
Goaltending: a player may not interfere with the ball on its downward arc toward the basket — results in automatic bucket for the offense

Substitutions

Substitution Procedure

Substitutions may only occur during a dead ball or stoppage in play
The substituting player must check in at the scorer's table and wait for the official to wave them onto the court
Illegal substitutions result in a technical foul

Free Throws

Procedure

The shooter must stand behind the free-throw line and attempt the shot within ten (10) seconds
All other players must remain outside the three-second lane until the ball is released
Lane violations by the defense: if the shot is missed, it is retaken. If made, the basket counts

When Awarded

Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting
Two free throws for a foul on a two-point attempt; three for a three-point attempt
If the shot is made despite the foul, one additional free throw is awarded

Discipline & Ejections

Warning

A verbal warning may be issued by the official before a technical foul for minor infractions
Warnings do not carry a direct penalty but are recorded

Ejection

Issued for flagrant fouls, violent conduct, or two technical fouls in the same game
The ejected player must leave the court area immediately
Ejected players may be subject to additional suspension at the league's discretion

Team & Season Discipline

If a team is reduced below the minimum roster due to ejections or fouls, the game is forfeited
A player who accumulates three (3) or more ejections across the season may be suspended or removed from the league

Overtime

Overtime Period

If the game is tied at the end of regulation, a five-minute overtime period is played
The stopped-clock rule applies throughout overtime
Additional overtime periods are played if the game remains tied

Playoffs

Qualification

Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs based on regular-season standings
Teams below 4th place do not qualify for playoffs

Bracket Structure

Semi-finals: 1st seed vs 4th seed, 2nd seed vs 3rd seed
Finals: Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs Winner of Semi-Final 2

Tied Playoff Games

Tied playoff games go to overtime periods until a winner is determined — no ties allowed in playoffs

League Roles

Team Captain

Responsible for team communication, player conduct, and pre-game tip-off representation
Serves as the primary point of contact between the team and league officials

Referee

Sole authority on game decisions, safety, and timing
Has final say on all matters of play during the game

Scorekeeper

Tracks points, assists, fouls, rebounds, and blocks during the game
Records game events in real-time to the league system

League Admin

Oversees league operations, scheduling, and disputes
Maintains standings, statistics, and overall league integrity

League Governance

Rule Amendments

League administrators may revise rules during the season and will notify teams of changes
Teams may be reassigned to maintain balanced competition

Registration Deadlines

Free Agents will not be allowed to join a team in the current season after Week 4 games of the current season have been played
Trades for the current season will not be allowed after Week 4 games of the current season have been played

Payment Requirements

Players who have paid the initial $75 installment must complete the remaining $75 balance before participating in Week 3 games
Any player who has not completed the full $150 payment prior to their Week 3 game will be ineligible to participate in further games until payment is made

Full Rulebook

Download the complete rulebook for detailed regulations and guidelines.